FAQ
What is “CSA” and how does it work?
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) allows people to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. A local farm offers a certain number of “shares” to the public that typically consists of a box of vegetables and other fresh produce. Sometimes eggs, meats, breads and dairy products are offered. Interested consumers purchase a seasonal share (aka a “membership” or a “subscription”) and in return receive a box (bag, basket) of produce each week throughout the farming season. Members may pick up their shares at a designated site or have them delivered for a small extra fee.
Who are the farmers?
In Urban Patchwork, your farmers are your neighbors. Each Urban Patchwork neighborhood farm has its own farmer and coordinator hired from within it’s neighborhood boundaries. One or two farmers tend all the plots and are available for questions and visits to the demonstration plots.
What is the seasonal schedule?
Currently we break the year up into four seasons based on typical Texas growing patterns. (During months with difficult weather we may include dried goods saved from bountiful harvests to ensure balanced nutrition.) We may slightly adjust this schedule each year depending on weather and demand.
Spring: April – June
Summer: July – September
Fall: October – December
Winter: January – March
What’s Growing Each Season? What will be in my CSA boxes?
Each season has it’s own unique group of vegetables, fruits and nuts that naturally grow well during that time. Some vegetables will not be available all year long, or may be available in a “storable” form such as dried, canned or frozen. We will have a seasonal calendar and suggested recipes chart available soon to show you what you may expect each season and what you may anticipate choosing to supplement from other sources.
Here are just a few things we plan to have available at different times this coming spring:
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Lettuce Mixes and Heads |
Squash/Zuks Pumpkin Cucumbers Radishes and Daikon Beets Carrots Potatoes Turnips Parsnips Kolrabi Okra Tomatoes Green Beans Snap Peas |
Fennel Garlic Onions and Leeks Mint Dill Parsley Thyme Basil Rosemary Cilantro Sage Chives Oregano Lavender |
How much food is in a weekly CSA share?
Weekly share boxes vary depending on what types of food are available each season. Typically members receive approximately 10-15 generous servings of seasonal fruits, nuts and vegetables plus a variety of herb bunches each week. If available in your neighborhood, the egg shares are between 4-6 eggs per week. Members may also purchase any surplus veggies or eggs at a set price per pound/unit.
Can I choose what’s in the weekly CSA share?
There is an option to purchase surplus produce each week, but the basic share basket will be determined by seasonal availability. Produce is most nutritious when grown in its natural temperature range rather than forced by artificial chemicals or environments. So some things are only available when they are “in season”. To help with meal preparation we provide recipes, storage tips and meal sharing opportunities to members.
Are eggs included as part of the weekly CSA share?
Eggs are available when there are enough chicken coop hosts in a neighborhood. Chicken coop hosts are not responsible for the care of the chickens. An ideal set up is having a chicken coop built into the vegetable plots we are farming. Chicken coops are great for renters who are worried about tilling up their yards and for folks with kids!
Are your vegetables “organic”?
We use organic growing methods. We use NO genetically modified seeds, NO chemical pesticides and NO herbicides.
The “Organic” label is a defined food industry term legally protected and regulated by the US Department of Agriculture. Compliance requires certifications, inspections and fees which we do not want to pass on to our members in the form of higher share prices. We promise our produce is grown using the highest, healthiest and most sustainable standards possible (higher than any certification requires!).
Why are CSA shares for sale months before I’ll get my first basket for the season?
Urban Patchwork operates a fairly traditional CSA which relies on supporters to prepay for CSA shares. This prepayment allows seeds, supplies and tools to be purchased and labor to be arranged. A number of crops are started in greenhouses well before the season and most supplies need to be purchased months before the first harvest. Labor has been arranged and in some cases farm workers are already being paid. The CSA model, with it’s prepayment and shared risk/bounty elements, allows these farmers to focus on growing healthy food and tend to soil health rather than worrying about marketing and administrative chores in the middle of the farming season.
How much does a weekly share cost?
Shares in Urban Patchwork are priced similarly to what you might pay for the same amount of produce at an average grocery store. Currently, shares average out to a value of $18-$20 per week (pick-up vs. delivery) if you purchase early, and $20-$22 per week if you subscribe closer to harvest.
Members pre-pay for shares on a seasonal basis. If this payment schedule is prohibitive for you, please contact us. We are open to working out an alternative plan.
Do you sell half shares?
We offer small shares and family shares. Depending on individual preferences, the small box shares serve 1-2 people and large box shares serve families and vegetarians. Each share is sized for members to eat an average of two to three vegetable servings per day depending on how often you choose to eat at home. If that is more than you prefer to eat, consider splitting a share with a neighbor or donating the excess.
When do I receive my weekly CSA share?
Before each season we will request availability preferences from current members and try to tailor pick-up times and locations to meet the needs of the majority. If a time is not convenient for you, feel free to send a neighbor or friend to pick your box up for you. You may also want to consider delivery as and option, and we hope you’ll be able to make it to other community events throughout the season.
How do I join the CSA? Can I sign up on-line?
We want registration to be quick and simple. You may sign up online, and payment is easy through Paypal. You may also register in different ways, if you prefer, by contacting us directly.
What is your refund or cancellation policy?
Because your share dollars are used to buy seeds, nutrients, water, supplies, and equipment, there are no refunds. If you are disappointed in the quality of our produce, or we are at fault for a missed delivery, we want you to be compensated. Our goal is complete satisfaction. If you move, change your situation or have a personal need, please contact us and we will do what we can to work with your situation.
What happens if there is a crop failure?
We plant successions of a variety of crops. It is rare that we will have a complete crop failure. Joining a CSA creates a relationship between the farmer and the shareholder where each has a direct interest in the other. Each experiences all the bounty and risks inherent in farming. On weeks when crops are abundant, shares will be larger. On weeks when crops are slim, shares may be smaller. It should balance out over the season.
How do membership renewals work?
Once you become a member you are automatically reserved a spot for the following season. We ask that you pay for your renewal at least 30 days before the next season. If you choose not to renew we ask you to send a cancellation notice at least 30 days before the next season so we can invite people who are on the waiting list.
Do I need to donate time to the CSA?
We encourage all members to volunteer time to the programs and tasks of the CSA. While it is not required, volunteering is an important way to give back to your community even in a seemingly small way. It not only enriches others, but yourself. We find that “many hands make light work” and always find spending a few moments with neighbors feeds the other parts of us that are not fed with the nutritious veggies. It’s a lot of fun to get to know others in the neighborhood and we thoroughly enjoy the time we get to spend with you. A volunteer calendar and schedule will be available soon. Until then, please click this link to write us directly and let us know you’re interested.
Are there any events or activities associated with the CSA?
Yes! As we continue to grow there will be programs, workshops and demonstrations for members and non-members. We can also schedule farm visits and always welcome new ideas and volunteers for activities.
Can I become a land-owner member or chicken coop host?
Yes, as memberships in your neighborhood grow, we will need more and more farmland. For example, for the Crestview CSA we will need to start planning cultivation of five new plots and ten chicken coop host homes by the beginning of December. If you are interested in hosting, remember that the land-owner does not need to do the farming or tend the chickens. We have experts for that who will care well for your property and take care of the details. You may participate at whatever level you choose.
Do land-owner members have to know how to garden?
No. If you choose to be a land-owner member, you are not expected to farm your plots. Each neighborhood CSA will have experienced staff. Before committing to the land-owner arrangements you will have a clear understanding of what kind of access we will request for use of part of your yard, the benefits available to you, and you will be able to express your personal preferences about scheduling visits, water usage, etc.
You are not expected to work the land yourself but you are welcome to help if you wish. We also have workshops and volunteer training if you want to learn more along the way.
Can I visit the farms?
Yes!!! Just contact us to arrange a visit. Each neighborhood has a demonstration farm where members and neighbors can also attend demonstrations and workshops.
